14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft continues its upper management changes with another important departure, this time of longtime Windows and Office executive Antoine Leblond.
According to a story posted by re/code today, Leblond will leave Microsoft today after nearly 25 years spent at the Redmond-based software. Monday is his 9,000th day at the company, the source noted.
Leblond has already submitted a letter to all colleagues, saying that he’s really excited for what comes next, but he hasn’t provided any reasons for his decision or other specifics regarding other projects after the departure from Microsoft.
“After almost 25 years, I’ve decided it’s time for me to go out and see what the non-Microsoft world has to offer,” Leblond reportedly stated.
“Every single day I have had here has been amazing in its own way, and I will never look back on all of these years with anything but fondness, pride in what we’ve accomplished together, and a real appreciation for having been lucky enough to be part of so many awesome things. I am sad to leave all of you, but also incredibly excited for what comes next.”
Word has it that Leblond decided to leave after being sidelines in Microsoft’s reorganization started by Steve Ballmer last year and even though a new CEO has taken over the top job at the company, no changes have been made regarding Leblond’s role within the company.
Leblond, who worked for almost 20 years on the Office productivity suite, also participated to the developer of Windows 8, together with former chief Steven Sinofsky, who also decided to leave the company after the launch of Microsoft’s modern operating system in October 2012.
It might be just a coincidence, but some other executives who collaborated with Sinofsky also left the organization recently, including Jon DeVaan and Grant George who have both been sidelines as part of Ballmer’s reorganization.
Steven Sinofsky’s departure in 2012 stirred up some controversies, with people close to the matter claiming that the growing tension between the former Windows boss and Steve Ballmer made the first to resign and focus on other projects outside Microsoft.
Leblond’s announcements follows the departure of some other top Microsoft executives, namely former Skype boss Tony Bates and marketing chief Tami Reller, who are both planning to pursue other opportunities outside the company.
Microsoft is yet to issue a public announcement on Leblond’s departure, so expect more details, including a possible next project for him, to surface anytime soon as part of a press release.